By Muhammed Danjuma Ogwu, Lafia
The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State, Dr. Aliyu Bello, has dismissed his purported suspension by the APC executive in Gayam Ward, Lafia Local Government Area, declaring that he remains the legitimate and authentic state chairman of the party.
Speaking during a telephone interview with our correspondent on Wednesday in Lafia, Dr. Bello described the action by the ward-level executives as unconstitutional, null, and void. He insisted that only the state executive committee — the highest decision-making organ of the party in the state — has the authority to remove or suspend a state chairman.
“As far as I am concerned, I remain the duly elected and authentic chairman of the APC in Nasarawa State. What happened in Gayam Ward is a media drama without legal or constitutional basis,” he said.
Dr. Bello also dismissed allegations that he was engaged in anti-party activities or working with Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). He described the accusations as part of a smear campaign aimed at damaging his reputation and destabilizing the party.
“There is no campaign ongoing for 2027. Why would I support a candidate from another party? This allegation is false, baseless, and clearly designed to tarnish my image,” he explained.
He added that his relationship with Senator Wadada spans over four decades and remains personal, not political.
“Our friendship goes back 42 years. But political affiliation is a different matter entirely. I have never, and will never, betray the APC,” he said.
On the posters of Senator Wadada reportedly seen in parts of the state, Dr. Bello clarified that he had no involvement in them.
“You won’t find a single Wadada poster around my home or office. People are free to express support, but it should not be linked to me,” he stated.
Addressing the procedure of his purported suspension, Dr. Bello questioned its credibility and legality.
“How can twelve ward executives claim to suspend a state chairman when sixteen others are opposed to it? It’s laughable. It has no standing,” he said.
He reminded party members that the APC constitution provides clear procedures for disciplining members, none of which were followed in the purported action against him.
Dr. Bello urged stakeholders to remain focused and play by the rules, warning against politics of misinformation and character assassination.
“The APC has a constitution. Let’s respect it. Let’s avoid false accusations and the politics of bitterness,” he advised.
Background
On July 1, 2025, executives of the APC in Gayam Ward, Lafia LGA, announced the suspension of Dr. Bello, citing alleged anti-party activities in violation of Article 21 of the APC Constitution.
However, Dr. Bello has strongly refuted the claims, calling the suspension a political distraction and reaffirming that only the state executive committee has the authority to take such action.